One year after one of the most controversial elections and the tension is as high as it was on November 8th, 2016, if not higher. Democrat, Republican, or Independent: in this country, we are all Americans, no matter the political party we align ourselves with. And yet somehow, the country remains divided. Media outlets lean heavily towards the left or right, twisting information from what it should be. Viciousness comes out to an extreme in elections, but it’s continued this entire past year.

In the midst of the crazy that’s been happening lately, I worry that people are living by their politics too much and abandoning respect for their fellow humans. Cruel things have continued to be said among those who disagree with politics. Your political beliefs don’t deﬁne you. And yet, I’ve seen people abandon friendships and relationships because of the way someone voted.

Can we not move forward from an election a year ago? America has been through so much. Think of 9/11/01, how we all came together, and then everything that’s happened since. Look what we’ve endured, look how we’ve made it through. We are constantly being attacked by those who wish to harm our country and its people, and the last thing we need is to be in turmoil amongst ourselves. What are we gaining from continuing to harbor this bitterness and push our political beliefs in everyone’s faces? Why can’t some just agree to disagree but maintain respect?

A world of pure peace in which there are no disagreements is a utopia…and it doesn’t exist. To disagree is not a crime. But to turn your disagreements to hatred and disrespect for others is wrong. We’re all entitled to our own opinion, but people are letting their personal feelings continue to cause divisiveness, and for what? I’m tired of seeing the negativity plastered everywhere on social media, and media alike.

It’s time, America. Time to stop letting your political beliefs inﬂuence the way you treat others. Time to stop classifying people in a certain way because of the way they voted and who they support. At the end of the day, we need to support each other, support America, and support those who are leading our nation, and no, we don’t have to agree with everything they do, but we need to be supportive. Sadly, we already live in a world full of hate, and if we let our politics continue to drive hate, we will be the ones to tear this country apart, not the outsiders. If we keep opposing and ﬁghting the system, we can never expect this country to heal, we can only expect to keep dividing it.

We need to be united as humans and come together. Our differences make us unique, but we all want a safe and prosperous America. We all want our freedom and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. 2017 is almost over… let’s try. Try to see people for who they are, not who they voted for. To treat others the way we wish to be treated. To stand united as proud Americans do.

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“I love reading quotes from other writers, philosophers, opened minds, etc. I think everyone has a quote that has ignited something within them — a quote that has stirred their heart and inspired their creativity. A good quote can make me write for hours, I think that is why I find reading so integral when it comes to art. It opens up the worlds inside of you.” — Bianca Sparacino